by Foo Ming Li / Photos provided by interviewee

Radio is one of the oldest traditional forms of media that has evolved together with the advancements of technology. Radio remains our best companion while we are driving to work or class, as we listen to our favourite music, news and traffic updates or tune in to the current issues that are being hotly debated.  

Wicent Goh, producer of MY Morning Talk Show.

Did you know, however, that it takes the coordinated efforts of a producer to ensure that the radio programme runs smoothly while the host is on-air?

Wincent Goh, a radio producer at MY FM, is an alumnus of Han Chiang University of Communication (HCUC). He graduated from the School of Communication and Media, majoring in Broadcasting. Eventually, he moved to Taiwan to further his studies at Shih Hsin University, where he pursued a degree specialisation in the field of radio, television and film.

During his stay in Taiwan, he noticed that his filming and editing skills were not his forte. However, he realised he was skilled at oral speaking, so he decided to pursue a career in the radio industry. After graduating from Shih Hsin University, Goh came back to Malaysia to work as a television producer in Astro for two years, before becoming a radio producer for MY FM.

Today, as Goh reflects on the opportunity that he gained to work at MY FM, Goh believes it is luck that landed him this job. He says that it is rare for radio stations to hire radio producers, because a radio station would only require the contribution of one producer. Television stations, on the other hand, require the combined energies of various  television producers who consist of multiple levels of assistant producers and producers. 

Goh said he has managed to adapt to the challenge of transitioning from television producer to  radio producer, thanks to the tangible similarities of both industries, although the concepts he has internalised would need different methods of application. It is his duty to monitor arrangement and flow of on-air radio programmes. 

“The radio producer is responsible for arrangement of radio programmes and sequencing of song playlists,” says Goh

Wincent Goh (first from right back row) and the radio DJ (front row from left: Jack Lim and Gan Mei Yan; back row from left: Tha Jie Ying) are taking a group photo together in the office after the MCO.

Other than that, radio producers and radio hosts brainstorm potential topics of discussion to be lined up for the week. Their job is to ensure that listeners continue to enjoy tuning in to their radio station.

“We surf Facebook and Instagram for ideas on interesting topics or the latest news updates for discussion on our radio programmes. Keeping informed of the evening news also provides us with ideas for the show,” explains Goh.

While being a radio producer can be an interesting experience, Goh faces some challenges in convincing radio hosts to accept his proposed topics for radio programmes. However, his leadership skills are helping him to cope with these challenges. 

“I need to prove my capabilities as a good radio producer. For a veteran like Jack Lim, who has been in the industry for 20 years, it would be difficult for him to believe in someone like me who is new to this industry,” explains Goh.

It is a rare chance to take a group photo together when Wincent Goh and the radio DJ are busy (From left: Jack Lim, Goh, Gan Mei Yan, Tha Jie Ying).

The constant need to be creative in the industry of traditional media 

When asked to comment on the decline of traditional media, Goh says that people need to be creative in transforming the traditional media and adapt to the latest technological developments. 

He says that the radio station has its own social media page on Facebook and Instagram, and the radio host will occasionally broadcast live programmes on the social media pages.

He wishes that students in the broadcasting field would appreciate and maximise the possibilities that today’s digital media has to offer. He would like to remind the youth of today to consider their future careers in the media industry, and the change that they can bring.